Dr Challoners Grammar school vs Chesham Grammar?

[Stina]

Hi,
We live in the catchment area for both these schools. Provided my DS gets the through the 11+ exam, I'm slightly confused as to which one to choose on the CAF.
I know this is such a personal decision based on what parents are looking for for their children, but I would be interested in what other parents' experiences or opinions have been if any re: these two schools. I went to the open days for both the schools, which confused me even further!!

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

[scary mum]

I don't know either of the schools well, but my impression is that they are very different styles of school. The main thing of course is mixed or single sex?
Which did your son prefer - do they focus on any particular sport that he enjoys? Which is the easiest to get to?

[CatherineA123]

Both good schools with solid reputations.

For us, it boiled down to distance.

Friends of ours advised against the one that meant an early bus there and a late arrival home. It means a long day for the child and is also a real pain when they inevitably start after school clubs and visiting friends.

We took that advice and my child's friend's parents didn't and (regarding school life) it's the only thing they moan about now.

Let your child decide, there's so little difference between them.

[Mostlymum]

I've children at both and would agree that it really does depend on your child.

Both schools get excellent results; they have very different feels, under the current regimes I'd say DCGS is actually the 'warmer' school in terms of approachability, at least in our experience. That said, the ds at CGS has had some very positive experiences there.

Think about whether a mixed-sex environment would suit your ds better; consider the logistics, particularly as county is trying to cut bus routes.

WRT sport, yes DCGS has a higher level of team simply by virtue of having double the number of boys and a higher prep school intake, however CGS can punch above its weight and if your ds enjoys it, there's every chance he'll have far more squad time.

We let our children decide their schools and they've all been happy with what they picked

[Stina]

Thank you for your helpful replies... where can I get information about buses available... is it just the usual buses or are there school run coaches available? Should I be asking the schools directly?

Thx.

[scary mum]

You can get details of Bucks County Council buses on the BCC website. I have no idea about private buses, but the school may know. Be aware that they are cutting back though & there has been a huge fuss this year with fare paying children not getting places on the buses (not idea if it is the same in Chesham).

[Stina]

Thank you all once again.... I think I need to do further research.